The probe, conducted by a department responsible for investigating terrorism financing and money laundering offences, targeted 25 suspects and two companies in coordinated operations spanning eight provinces, including Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya, according to a statement from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors alleged that the suspects generated revenue by sharing explicit content on social media platforms and directing followers to paid subscription services, notably OnlyFans, as well as private messaging channels such as Telegram.
OnlyFans has been blocked in Turkey since June 7, 2023, following a ruling by an Istanbul court which determined that content hosted on the platform violated public morality and family values. Despite the restriction, investigators said the suspects continued to access the platform through virtual private networks (VPNs).
According to the prosecutor’s office, proceeds from the activities were allegedly laundered through the acquisition of assets and investments in bitcoin and gold. Authorities identified 10 properties, 14 vehicles and two companies linked to the suspects, with the total value of the seized assets estimated at around 300 million lira.
The investigation remains ongoing, prosecutors said, with further legal steps expected as inquiries continue.